The BBC reported on Sunday about a fake AI-generated interview with manager Gareth Southgate circulating on social media, in which he is said to make “vulgar comments about players”.
In response to a BBC question about the matter, the English Football Association said it would “take steps to remove these disturbing videos, as we do with any harmful content.”
I've seen some of them and I can't imagine anyone would believe them to be real, like when Southgate was asked why he didn't select certain Manchester United players for Euro 2024. “Why should I pick Marcus Rashford?” “He” replies. “This team is chosen on merit, not who feeds the most children, and Marcus has been pretty terrible this season.”
The first reply under the video was “Did he really say that?” and the second was “He's right.” Ah, what a shame.
England's relatively poor strikers
If Brentford's Ivan Toney stumbles across the London Loves Business (LLB) website anytime soon, you can imagine he'll be lobbying even harder for a transfer when he returns home from Euro 2024. Because LLB reveals that he is the lowest-paid player in the England national team, a poor lad who has to make do on “just over £1 million a year”, of which he pays £477,014 in tax.
Unsurprisingly, Harry Kane is the highest-paid player in the current squad, earning £21 million a year at Bayern Munich, followed by Jude Bellingham, John Stones, Declan Rice and Phil Foden. Together the squad “earn £183.3 million a year and pay £85.4 million in tax”.
“It's unclear which weighs more heavily on the players' minds: the expectations of the people or the heavy tax burden.” It's probably a draw.
Quote of the Day
“Was it Ferrari in Switzerland tonight and Fiat Panda in Italy?” Luciano Spalletti “You're a master of sarcasm,” an intrepid reporter said to him on Saturday.
Today's number: 75
The seconds between Denmark's Joachim Andersen's goal being disallowed and the penalty being awarded against Germany. Excruciating.
Reviews
“You can't make carbonara without eggs, guanciale and pecorino cheese. If you only have garlic and a little olive oil, you have to change the recipe. But he didn't understand that.” La Republica It suggests that Luciano Spalletti tried to make a dish without having the necessary ingredients.
“De Bruyne is good but has yet to play well in Europe or the World Cup. I think Doc is weak and the uncertainty about his future weighs heavily on Romelu Lukaku. Plus, Belgium's defence is not good enough even for a mid-table team in the Premier League.” – And much more. Emmanuel Petit Belgium seems to be in great form.
“Finally, I had a good breakfast for the first time in a month.” Kai Havertz Enjoying a break at a local cheap restaurant in London.
“This is one of the worst refereeing I've ever seen. It was completely stupid to call it a handball. He can make as many mistakes as he wants and we shouldn't have a say.” – Danish Joachim AndersenWill there be fines? Probably.
